My Mixers

If you want to make divinity and other candies (bread, pastries, and cakes, too), you will need a heavy duty stand mixer in your kitchen. I cannot imagine making divinity with a hand mixer! You will need a heavy duty mixer because it will run continuously for 30 to 45 minutes under a pretty heavy load. I have two KitchenAid® mixers in my kitchen.

KitchenAid K45SS

I bought our first KitchenAid K45SS in 1983 as a Christmas present for my wife, and it continues to be my go-to mixer. At that time, KitchenAid products were built by the Hobart company. In the mid-1980’s Whirlpool acquired the brand from Hobart who continues to manufacture high-quality commercial kitchen equipment.

My original K45SS is cream color and it is rated at 250 watts of power. The original Hobart-built appliances are made with higher quality internal parts than the newer models. But should you ever need service on one, it is fairly easy to repair one yourself. And you can always find an authorized service technician to fix one, too. I have never needed repair on mine.

KitchenAid KSM90

We also have a KitchenAid® KSM90 that was manufactured after Whirlpool acquired the KitchenAid brand.

The KSM90 is rated at 275 watts and it runs very smooth. Both of my mixers came with the stainless steel mixing bowl. One has the handle and the other does not. You can get a mixer with the glass mixing bowl, but check to make sure the glass can handle the hot temperatures of your candy mixture first.

Both of these mixers are well-built and durable. I have run the K45SS for 45 minutes non-stop when making divinity for many years, and it has never failed me. The motor casing gets hot after 30 minutes or so due to the load it is under. Beating candy syrup is hard work for the mixer, and that is why you need a heavy duty machine that can take it. I don’t run mine beyond speed 6.

If you are shopping for a mixer for yourself or a loved-one, you should consider the KitchenAid line. These make great gifts for those who love to make candies and other delicious treats in the kitchen.